How do we love lost people without condoning harmful and sinful behavior? In this message, Pastor Jamie Nunnally will share three ways we can love the lost.
Three weeks ago, we saw that Jesus described Himself saying:
Luke 19:10 “For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.”
Christians don’t fight against the lost, we fight for the lost.
Two weeks ago, we looked at the three ways Paul took the gospel and spread it far and wide in such a short about of time: in word, in deed and in power.
Last week, Pastor Eric shared about losing the lost. How we act will affect people’s perception of Jesus, so we must be careful and intentional so that we don’t lose the lost through our behavior.
Today, Loving the Lost
John 15:13 “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
“Like” is an emotion, “love” is a decision.
Love does what is best for the OTHER person. Sometimes that’s a hug, sometimes that’s a push.
James 1:20 “The wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.”
Galatians 5:6 “…the only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.”
Three ways that we can love the lost:
1. Say something.
Mark 6:34 “Jesus saw the huge crowd as he stepped from the boat, and he had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.”
One of the most loving things you can do for someone who is lost is tell them the truth about Jesus.
Ephesians 4:15
2. Do something.
1 John 3:18 “Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.”
When it was God’s time to reveal who he was to the world, he chose an act of service. A message without ministry is meaningless.
James 2:15-16 “Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, 16 and you say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well”—but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do?”
Christianity is a counter-cultural movement; but it can’t be a movement if no one is moving.
3. Be someone.
2 Corinthians 5:19-20 “For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. 20 So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!”
You are Heaven’s ambassador, not Heaven’s bouncer.
Col. 3:14 And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.
Love is the identifying uniform of the Christian.
Are you loving the lost?